DURHAM, N.C. – In a battle of Ivies in the first NCAA field hockey semifinal, No. 2 Princeton edged No. 3 Harvard, 2–0, on Friday afternoon at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium to earn a spot in Sunday’s national championship game.
The matchup showcased elite Ivy League field hockey, with both defenses holding firm throughout all 60 minutes. Princeton thwarted all six Harvard penalty corners, while Harvard denied each of Princeton’s eight penalty corners. The scoreless tie finally broke with 3:45 remaining, when Anna Faulstitch sent a pass from the baseline that slipped into the cage to give the Tigers a 1–0 lead.
Princeton goalkeeper Olivia Caponiti made two of her three saves after the go-ahead goal as Harvard pressed hard in the closing minutes. The Tigers secured the result with a Caitlin Thompson empty-net goal with 15 seconds left.
With the win, Princeton improved to 18–3 and extended its streak to 14 straight victories. Harvard concluded its historic season at 19–2, having risen as high as No. 3 nationally and completing a perfect 16–0 regular season—the first in Ivy League history.
Princeton advances to championship Sunday, where it will face Northwestern. Opening whistle is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on ESPNU.